Monday, December 16, 2013

It's shopping season… Looking for gifts for friends and family for the holidays? What about some inspired gifts that keep giving?! I already mentioned last week in a previous blog post UNICEF gifts for children around the world, here's more options of lovely products that makes a difference…

♥ FEED projects has helped children around the world, by raising enough money through the sale of products to provide over 60 million school meals to children around the world through United Nations World Food Programme's (WFP). The FEED began in 2006 when acclaimed model and activist Lauren Bush designed a bag to benefit WFP. With the idea to help raise funds and awareness around these school feeding operations. It was stamped with "FEED the children of the world" and the number ‘1’ to signify that each bag feeds one child in school for one year. And in 2007, FEED Projects LLC was founded by Lauren Bush and Ellen Gustafson to produce and sell these bags. The products line has expended from bags to pouches, apparel and cuddly teddy bears. The sweet stuff toys Produced through a partnership with the charity Teddy Share, are made from 100 percent plush organic cotton and natural burlap.

♥ The power of colour, shop some paintings done by underprivileged children attending the Arts Workshop offered by the Queen Rania Family & Children Center, a facility of the Jordan River Foundation. All proceed go to the Jordanian Child Safety Programme to fight child abuse.

♥ Hands Up Not Handouts offers "some super cool stuff from women around the world": like hand-embroidered cuffs and wrap bracelets from the West Bank, Beautiful earrings handmade using sweet grass and sisal from Rwada. The idea behind this initiative applies business principles and business accountability to help women to help themselves. When you buy those designs, the women earn more income, which gives them more stability and more influence in their families and communities. They can provide food, healthcare and better education.

♥ Kalandia Camp Women's Handicraft Cooperative in Palestine, creates "lasting benefits for Palestinian families in kalandia Refugee Camp and surrounding villages and camps in the central area of West Bank, by empowering women in the Palestinian community through providing them with increased opportunities for economic, social, cultural and educational participation". Embroidered cushion covers and bracelets are great gifts and definitely a positive contribution to supporting women’s capacities to enter the productive job market and buid their future.

♥ Beautiful books from American philanthropist and photographer Bobby Sager. Well known for founding the Sager Family Traveling Foundation, a charitable organization. The Power of the Invisible Sun is a magical gift- produced by Sager and Sting. A a collection of his photographs of children in the most desperate and worn-town places in the world. An inspiring gift, a "game changer" calling for action and activism. To understand more about Bobby and the core element of his philosophy: concrete baby steps read here.

All of those inspiring gifts and more are available at THE One stores across Dubai. Make a difference this holiday season with gifts that keeps giving. Happy shopping.

Sunday, December 15, 2013

I am always interested in new tech products to make my social media and blogger life easier. This new technology:Asus Fonepad, spiked my interest. More then just another gadget, it's a tablet with the convenience of a smartphone. A two in one technology establishing the fast-growing ‘phablet’ (large-screen smartphones) demand.

Why would you need such a thing when you already have a phone, a tablet to play and work with? Because our worlds are always connected, so why do we keep our devices separated? Asus Fonepad series with Intel Inside offer the possibility to jungle both at the same time. It fits today lifestyle, it makes it easier for people to to seamlessly move between their personal, social and professional life.

The video below “Fonepad is Calling” depicts example of using the devices - ASUS Fonepad Note 6 and ASUS Fonepad 7, in between play time and work time in a fun and slightly exaggerated way. The message is clear and expressive, highlighting the moment when people receive a call, while using a device that traditionally has only had tablet functionality. It's all about multitasking!

Need to look more into it? Checkout the video below and ASUS Fonepad. I believe the ASUS Fonepad Note series with sleek design, 6 Inch Full HD display, powered with dual-core Intel processor, Dual front speakers with SonicMaster Technology, S Pen-like styluses has potential to be a great hit this holiday season…

Get into the spirit of a cold holiday season (or pretend) with the release of

Disney's last animation, Frozen.

"Fearless optimist Anna teams up with Kristoff in an epic journey, encountering Everest-like conditions, and a hilarious snowman named Olaf in a race to find Anna's sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom in eternal winter"

Thursday, December 12, 2013

I already mentioned last week in a previous blog post Bumble & Mouse! But I thought I would share some of the lovely prints they produce. Love the A to Z of animal graphic illustrations, a lovely addition to any nursery and a beautiful gift to share with someone special. Quite recognisable by its powerful graphics, vibrant colour pallet and fun designs, Bumble & Mouse is appealing to children and adults alike.

Check it out you mind find some Christmas gift ideas like personalized keepsakes, fun kids clothing and some elegant and friendly cards for the holidays. All of their products have been carefully designed by Bumble & Mouse and produced locally in the United Arab Emirates, ensuring a consistency and quality.

You Can find the Bumble & Mouse girls every Friday at the Ripe Foodie Friday market in Safa park and every Saturday at the Dubai Garden Centre between 9am-2pm.Products are also currently on sale in The Gift Box Dubai, Dubai Babies, Bubs Boutique, Read’N’Enjoy and The Dubai Garden Centre.For wholesale enquiries, please email us directly at bumbleandmouse@gmail.com

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

The beautiful Angelina opened it's doors at The Dubai Mall. The elegant tea room and patisserie evoke the "French Way Of Life" in a subtle and charming way. I remember visiting Angelina next to Musée du Louvre while growing up in Paris, I have fond memory of their famous hot chocolate. Rich and smooth served with little pot of whipping cream. Delight! Angelina offers a selection of delicates cakes like éclairs, tartelettes… and the famous Mont Blanc cake - a must try! The menu expend to some light snacks, salad and main course. A next visit will be a must in order to try out lunch.

Not to be missed the selection of jams, chocolates, macarons, teas and biscuits to please someone special. Some lovely foodie gifts for the holidays.

♥ The Souk Festive Market is back! This festive season from 17 to 27 December come and explore an enchanting winter wonderland at the Souk Festive Market at Madinat Jumeirah. Open from 3pm to 12midnight on weekdays and 1pm to 12midnight on weekends, visitors can experience an exhilarating blend of entertainment. From roasted chestnuts, to gingerbread treats, guests will enjoy an expansive offering of the season’s traditional food and beverage treats, plus an eight metre tall Christmas tree embellished with beautiful decorations, fun-filled activities including a giant snow globe, an ice rink, Santa surfing, a reindeer rodeo, Santa’s grotto, and even the North Pole Train.

♥ Start planing your New Year's Eve! La Petite Maison in DIFC is paying tribute to one of the greatest eras of the past century with a 1920s ‘The Great Gatsby’ themed bash for New Year’s Eve. Taking inspiration from the era of the ‘Roaring Twenties’ a time of economic prosperity and social, artistic and cultural liberation. It sounds like a fabulous night to remember with stylish jazz bars of the era with vintage decor, costumed staff and servers, and a live Dj to 3am. This lavish throwback party is priced at 850AED spend per person.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

S*uce always knows how to surprise and entertain us... with a touch of sweet and quirky. This morning party at The Village Mall was no exeption. The event celebrating the makeover of the original S*uce boutique and the launch of micaroon make up was a great success.

The newly launched cosmetic line Micaroon Makeup founded by the lovely Rima Khoreibi is now available at S*uce. I love the feminine and fun look of the packaging, suggesting macaroons treats. The colours palette is pleasing and the texture soft and iridescent. Just lovely!

The event featured some yummy treats like tubes of Nutella and chocolate lipsticks, thanks to Fait Maison Cuisine. As part of the makeover theme, NBar offered some mini manicures with a S*ucy touch to it. I also had a try at Color Bug temporary hair chalk and some very cute temporary tattoo from Skinfeelings.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

What's on your Christmas list?
Have you considered UNICEF Inspired Gifts? This gift concept developed by UNICEF helps to provide essential items for survival and development to children in need all over the world. You can choose a gift from different categories: health, water, learn and play, nutrition, emergency, babies… The list of gifts ranges from football for children to play and exercise to vaccination kits to water pump and more. There is a lot of options, all life-saving and life-changing gifts for children around the world.

Gift that keeps giving...
"A UNICEF school-in-a-box will help at least 40 children continue their education in times of emergency and conflict. A school-in-a-box is an innovation in overseas education. Materials for an entire classroom are packed into a large portable aluminium case, including a solar/wind-up radio and even an inflatable globe for geography lessons. The inside lid of the box doubles as a blackboard when coated with the special paint included in the kit. This kit also contains resources for teachers and allows for double-shifts for classes so that more children can benefit."

"Help a child get to school every day, or equip a health worker with a sturdy bicycle. When you're a child living six miles from the nearest school, having a bicycle can make the difference between getting to school or missing out on education. UNICEF provides bicycles for school children, from primary school upwards, to enable children living in rural areas to receive education. We also provide bicycles to help health workers and birth attendants reach children and mothers in remote areas. What a practical gift!"

Once you have chosen a gift, you customize a gift card describing the purchase. It will then be sent to the person for whom you’re purchasing the gift. And UNICEF will deliver to children in need in any one of 150 countries represented.

Monday, December 2, 2013

About you?Where are you originally from?
I am an expat kid myself spending my early years in Australia and London, before my parents settled back in New Delhi, India where I did middle and high school and University from.

How long have you lived in Dubai?
December 2013 I will complete 9 years in Dubai.

Please tell us about Marina Mums and what inspired you to start this community?
I started working as soon as I came to the city- had a fabulous job, living the life as a newly married couple. Its when I got pregnant, I realized I had no friends with kids in the city and absolutely no family. I moved to JBR when my first born was 6 months old, I had just resigned from my dream job. As didn’t have any house help, leaving her in a day care facility was not an option.

But I was living a SAHM mums dream, beach front apartment, the huge big plaza level and the new Bugaboo which had just come out in 2006…and met so many mum’s just while sitting in the park, the beach on the plaza, by the pool… Instead of having to text them every time I left for a walk. I thought adding them on FB group would be better as you don’t have to add them as friends, yet you can stay in touch via FB. It started with 5 of us meeting everyday around JBR, then solely with word of mouth and absolutely NO advertising, or spamming other FB walls. This group grow to 2000 active mums today. www.facebook.com/groups/marinamums/

We got a lot of media attention at the time when we started as there was nothing like a neighborhood support group and that made Marina Mums so popular and easy for other mums to get to know about us and join in the closed group. It is not exclusive to the mums in the Marina, we have mums from everywhere.

Any lessons learn alone the way?
Yes, many... mainly how motherhood is very different in different cultures, and how you raise you children or prioritise discipline, schooling, extra curricular activities, diet and social skills varies from where you are brought up.

Also managing almost 2000 mums on the forum with different ethnicities and some with very strong opinion... I have had to delete a few posts, ban a few members to keep things calm.

But over all the vibe is super friendly and super healthy, I do end up felling like mummy cupid sometimes, when I see a new mum in the neighbourhood sitting at a coffe shop with new friends she met through Marina Mums! I myself have made so many virtual friends, and have found so much support and I learn something new from another mum posting everyday. Some of my closest friends in Dubai are ladies I have met mainly from Marina Mums. Plus I love having a name for myself in the community- compensates for not working full time.

The group has a super friendly vibe to it…a very positive energy a great pool of super talented ladies, its more like a social networking sit for super ladies who are now full time mums!

About living in Dubai?What inspire you in/ about Dubai?
I am a very open minded individual, I soak the best from every culture I come across, I am proud to say I have more than a dozen friends who arn’t from the same country or culture as I am from, and love to learn more about their little family tradition or way of life, this is something I would not be able to find back home.

Favorite thing to do in Dubai with children?
Stroll on the Marina walk, we all own Bikes the whole family, enjoy the swings under many of the Marina bridges, the choice of over 6 pools to choose from every weekend. Catching many of the kids shows available free of cost during many of the festivals. Whole range of after school activities within a stones throw from our residence…

What's your favorite way to spend a lazy friday?
Fridays are never lazy for us…its morning swim, afternoon lunch and an evening walk by the Marina now that the weather is irrisistable, plus daddy works on Saturday’s so we make the most of family time on Fridays. We need to be out!!

We are a foodie family and enjoy travelling combined with great food... My girls absolutely love eating different types of cuisines , they have enjoyed a good Pho Soup in vietname, Game meat (Zebra steak in Nairobi) a good wazwaan and in Srinagar India, a great turkey roast on a Sunday brunch in the Lake district and all of this was in the last 18 month alone!! They are a pleasure to take out- never had to do food court food for them, they love Ping Pong Café, Thai , even Zuma adore Sushi and Sashimi and love edamame so we do enjoy eating out a lot as a family!

Do you have a dubai beauty secret to share with us?
I figured out what Argan Oil was and am addicted to it for my hair… My next door salon, 20 steps from home - love it. First time I tried a Hammam was seven years back, now I am going once a month. I also have a lady who come to blow dry my hair, every Thursday for a quarter of the price I would pay at a salon. My moto is "Good hair, good day!" :)

A Dubai store you could spend hours browsing?
Kids books shops, as a Storyteller for kids, with “Story Time with Dee” l love collecting children’s books. The girls have a collection of over 400 books.

On a consumerist note like any other yummy mummy wannabe, I looove shoes! Could try on shoes all day! I am building a collection of “ investment pieces” that I justify to my husband: they would be vintage one day… for the girls!

A little extra….Things you can't live without?
Other than my husband and my lovely family spread all over the world. My supercalifragilistic house help! They make living in Dubai so much easier and fun!

A song playing on repeat in the car?
This is hilarious, we just heard it on our school run this week on the Chris Fade show, it's called “personally “ by P squared , its Africa's no 1 song right now... The kids love it!!

Any motherhood tips, advices or words of wisdom on how to juggle it all?
Don’t hesitate to reach out... ask for help and make a friend.
Everyone is in the same boat as you. Away from home, on their own. Trying to make Dubai home, so people are more approachable.

Saturday, November 30, 2013

What a lovely weekend… Loving the amazing weather and happy vibe of the season.
Friday morning strolling around the Ripe Foodie Friday Market was a real treat. A little pleasure for the whole family. Have you been? It's now set up every Friday at Safa Park, gate 5, close to The Archive café.

Ripe has become a bit of an institution now in Dubai, from the early success of the original Ripe Box concept to a growing number of weekly Food and Craft markets in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, a sweet little Ripe Farm Shop in Umm Suqueim and online shopping with home delivery. I loved my veggie box this week - green beans, beetroot, capsicum, coriander, cucumber, eggplant, mushroom, onions, potatoes, spring onions, tomatoes… and chard. Lots of good soup and salad in perspective, but wondering what to do with chard? No worries, I will check ripeme.com for recipe ideas!

The Market offers so many different stalls to visit from food vendors to cute children boutique to fun and stylish accessories… you are sure to find some holidays gift ideas. I did not get a chance to see everything and I look forward to visit again next weekend.

Here's a few highlights of my morning stroll.
☆ Pantry Café, located in Al Wasl Square set up a large and inviting stand at the market, the perfect stop for coffee latte and croissant in the morning and delightful bigger bites for lunch like hanger burgers. The popular eatery – just won the What's On award for favorite cafe in Dubai – is definitely your one stop to satisfy your hungry tummy.

☆ Sweet Connection, is the first Gluten Free Kitchen in the UAE. You can find Gluten Free cakes, cookies, breads, pizzas; everything is gluten free. In addition, Sweet Connection is able to provide delicious baked goods tailored to individual allergies and the needs. A great option for children with allergies to dairy, egg, sugar , nuts and soy. We had a bite into a lovely lemon cake and a banana loaf. You can also visit Sweet Connection in Mercato Mall.

☆ bumble & mouse beautifully design graphics for children made in Dubai. Totally in love with the art prints, stationary and keepsakes. A little gem!

☆ Pomme is another UAE homegrown business. Handmade furniture designed for the age group of 0 to 4 years old. Loved the use of pastel colors and sweet decor shapes like star, crown, car, heart, butterfly… a dream for your special little people.

☆ Claire Barlow Photography, lovely and talented Claire creates amazing photography of you and your family. Amazing pictures to remember engagement, maternity, newborn, family portrait, children's party… all in a very natural and honest approach. Different media options are possible from canvas, prints, books, collages, card customs to your needs. Something to cherish for ever...

Thursday, November 28, 2013

This week I ventured out of my workout routine to try out Pilates. I have been practicing yoga for some years now and always enjoyed it and felt content with it. As part of your workout, you do need to try out new things and challenge yourself to new possibilities.

Real Pilates applies the STOTT PILATES method. Exercise method for all bodies at all stages of life. A completely modifiable system of over 500 exercises performed on a mat or using specialized equipment. A Canadian-based organization with a 20-year legacy of research and development in to the original exercise method pioneered by Joseph Pilates.

I went for a mat class. Total Body Toning class with the lovely instructor Dana. A great combination of exercises using Flex-Band® exerciser, Fitness Circle® resistance ring and Toning Balls™. From a quick talk, Dana asked us what we wanted to work on, we then started a series of movement specially design to sculpt and define arms, abs and legs. I definitely felt the challenge at time, working out some particular muscle group I had forgotten. It felt very efficient, after one hour workout, I felt some burn in my back legs and shoulders. I knew I would feel this gratifying muscle stiffness the next day, always the sign of a good workout. Dana was great motivating us ladies to achieve just a little more each time.

Conveniently located in Palm Strip Mall Jumeirah and JLT, Real Pilates studios offer a quite and friendly atmosphere. The changing room are clean and pleasant. The staff seemed very professional and caring. Over all, a really great experience. Look forward to more work out and to try out some new classes. Next time I might choose Xtend Barre Workout a fast-paced, 55-minute full body immersion that fuses dance, Pilates and sculpting exercises at the ballet barre or Pilates Core designed to help you establish core strength and stability.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Last night we made rice, egg and veggie for dinner... not that exciting until I took out a little surprise… CHOPSTICKS! Edison Training Chopsticks are a fun and said to be an effective way to help develop your child’s fine motor skills, they provide early training for good handwriting habits, and improve their self-confidence with easy to learn steps.

The Edison Training Chopsticks are distributed in the UAE by Bellis LLC and retail for AED 39 each at Read’n’Enjoy JBR, Deans Fujiya near Lamcy Plaza, Chez Sushi (Wasl Square and Dubai Marina Silverene Tower), Future Kids in Knowledge Village and also on mumzworld.com with shipping all over the GCC

Thursday, November 21, 2013

The Beauty & Golf Tour 2013 event held at the Els Golf Club last night is a great initiative to mix and promote golf tourism and fashion. This year event developed in partnership with former Miss World Tatania Kucharova and her Beauty Help Foundation raised money to improve life condition in Czech Republic.

A full day event from brunch, to golf tournament, fashion shows, fancy cars and gala diner was a total success, pleasing gentlemen to fashionistas.

The highlight of the evening was to meet the lovely Ophelia Blaimer. The German beauty from Munich showcased her collection in front of a very enthusiastic crowd last night. Her style is inspired by Bavarian traditional wear with a modern feminine extravagant elegance. I was amazed by the mix of exquisite fabric like French brocade, silk, taffeta and organza with tulle, pearls, old ornaments, sequins and ribbon, all working together uniquely to create a one of a kind piece.

The accessory line consisting of bracelets, necklaces and belts is totally over the top in a fantastic glamorous manner. A mix of vintage, pompous, decadent and elegant design. Loved the necklace for a day look with jeans to a night out on the red carpet. Ophelia's collection is versatile, unique and really beautiful.

♥ "Fresh As", little bags of goodness available at Ripe. In need of those whole/sliced fruits and fruit powders. Great for healthy snack or to add to my smoothies… Practically pack in in re-sealable foil bags.

♥ theglitterguide.com great source of inspiration for your stylish home decor and cooking experience. Need to try this good looking ricotta and herbs dip!

♥ Celebrate UAE National Day at Kidville with fun activities for the little ones. Wednesday 27th of November from 4.00pm to 6.00pm at Mirdiff branch and Thursday 28th of November from 4.00pm to 6.00pm at JBR branch. AED50 for member and AED70 for non member.

Checkout the website to book.

♥ Last week, I spent a lovely evening at the launch of El Sur, contemporary Spanish restaurant located in The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina. Loved the vibrant, lively and sophisticated bar and restaurant. Classic Spanish favourites with contemporary twists… watch this place for friendly tapas and drink evening with friends.

♥ Already getting into the Xmas mood… yes it's too early but I can't help it!

Like this sweet idea to warp 24 Xmas children's book and put them under the tree.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Beautiful morning at The Animal Sanctuary and Petting farm yesterday. I have already done a blog post on this little gem a while back at the beginning of my blogging adventure. But I believe it deserve another one...

This non profit organization set up with passion, dedication and hard work by animal lovers has expended and improved since it's opening in 2009. The sanctuary is a fantastic place for children to learn in a fun and educational way about the animals. Luella and her friends got to feed, touch or hold various animals whilst learning facts about each one and how to care for the animals correctly. We got to see Porcupine, Cockatoo, Ponies, Deer, Llamas, Guinea Pigs, Rabbits, Kinkajou, Ferrets, Goats, Cows,Baboon, Ducks and many more...

The sanctuary offers a great experience for the children but first of all it's a refuge for the animals. Most all the animals are donated, unwanted or rescued animals. I am sure, if they could talk they would have stories to tell and some not so happy tale. Thanks to the team of volunteers and animal lovers they now have a home.

Alongside The Animal Sanctuary and Petting farm there is Posh Paws Kennels and Cattery where our dog Hugo spend his summer while we travel back for the holidays. Luella was happy to kind of see Hugo's "summer camp" and meet the lovely people who takes care of him...

It's a great family friendly place to visit on the weekend and something to consider for kids birthday parties. The center relies on donations and volunteers, so please feel free to bring food for the animals, or be a volunteer for jumble sales, school visits, ... There is no charge, but a small donation box sits on the table, the money donated helps to pay for food, medical bills and equipment. All the help to keep up with the good work is greatly appreciated.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

The big buzz about Isabel Marrant collection for H&M is rising as we get closer to the date. I might not be fighting my way into H&M on Thursday morning to get a piece of the hot collection, but I will definitely get down at a quitter time to get some of the cool items from the kids line.

The focus on women swear might distract the fans from the children clothing line. The collection features signature Isabel Marant styling in a fun and youthful way with tie-dye high-tops, slogan sweatshirts and shearling denim jackets. I like her designs for the mix of sequins, knits, silk, and put together with her trademark Parisian flair.

Luella might not be a total fan, she is in the pink and glitter phase of a nearly 5 years old, but as a "mini me look" I might be able to convince her of a few items...

Monday, November 11, 2013

This afternoon Luella wanted to prepare diner with me... That's nice but what should we make, I asked her? With an answer like "surprise me, maman", I had to think a minute. I remembered seeing somewhere (sorry can not give credits) a baked pasta recipe in shape of little bird nests. My little chef was thrilled with the idea... it turned out to be easy and good.

What you will need:
A large muffin tin tray lightly oiled
Tomato sauce (home made or from a jar, we took the easy road)
Whole wheat Spaghetti
Organic eggs
Basil leaves

How to:
Heat up the oven 180/200C
Cook the pasta as per package, cool down under cold water and drain
Create little nest with the pasta into each muffin hole
Add a full spoon of tomato sauce
Then crack an egg on top of each
Wrap around some more spaghetti around the egg yolks and giggle around to allow the egg white to seep through the spaghetti.
Bake for 20min or less until the egg white is set and yolk slightly runny.
Serve with a little basil
Bon appétit!

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Feeling very honoured to be featured as "Mom of the moment" on Elizabethst , as part of the new Dubai/Abu Dhabi global moms section. Check out all the cool features and get daily insight from chic moms around the glob.

♥ There is a new addition to the Dubai Airshow, Skyview. It's a four-day public event being held alongside the Dubai Airshow. Skyview will feature a purpose-built grand stand with a capacity for 6000 visitors, located right next to the Dubai Airshow event to allow the public direct views of the spectacular flying action above. On the ground, Skyview will offer exhibits, games and activities to keep both families and aviation enthusiasts excited. The Dubai Airshow exhibition hall and static display is restricted to aviation industry officials only, F&E Aerospace is working with partners such as KidZania, Gulf News and Etihad Airways, to deliver a different variety of entertainment for the general public in Skyview. Daily tickets for Skyview cost Dhs60 per adult and Dhs30 for children under 12. Skyview will take place from 18 to 21 November 2013, between 12 – 6pm at Dubai World Central (DWC), Jebel Ali. Visit www.skyview.aero for full details and to purchase tickets to what should be a fun event.

♥ Cobone, the Middle East’s largest daily deals site - has launch Triperna, a new way to experience travel in the Middle East. Triperna aims to inspire travel in the Middle East with its holiday packages to exotic locations around the world and local travel throughout the Middle East. Looking forward to score some good deals for our next little family getaway...

♥ inspiring photos from Stardust o Sequins, I like checking out the random pretty fashion, home decor, celebrity pics...

One of the highlight of the week was a fabulous lunch at Okku with my lovely girlfriends. It was a great catch up around totally amazing food. Multi-award winning OKKU, Japanese restaurant and lounge has been one of my Dubai favorite restaurant for years. So imagine my excitement when we got to try out the new lunch menu... delish! Let me tell you more...

The new menu has three ordering options to select from so whether you are after a quick light bite or a three course indulgence the menu will satisfy all diners. The Sui option is best suited for those looking to enjoy a delicious lunch but may be sensitive on time, and looking for the perfect light and healthy lunch. Guests wanting a little more fill and variety, the second option is the Daichi choice. If the Sui and Daichi options are not quite enough and you feel like enjoying a long leisurely and relaxed lunch with a little sweet end then the Hibachi alternative is the one to go for.

We enjoyed a fabulous three courses meal with lots of different "tapas" options to start with, the moreish baked Japanese aubergine, seared scallops and truffle wafu goma, amazing tuna tartare, ribeye tartare with chive and sesame, scallops with black truffle sauce, duck salad, red snapper sashimi carpaccio, lobster carpaccio and a few more delectable treats. Then came two whole baked king crab legs with masago and spicy mayonnaise, very impressive and nothing to disappoint our taste buds. We were spoiled with a selection of sushi and maki platter beautifully presented. By the time the main courses appeared we needed to take a mini break to avoid a food coma. I could not resist the Veal Braised Short Rib Shoyu-ni with ginger-soy, full of flavor and so tender, it was just melting on the tongue. For desert we had a classic chocolate fondant and the banana chocolate crepes, by then we could hardly enjoy the sweet treats...

I can not tell you enough how much we enjoyed the food, everything was good to amazing. We were spoiled by the variety of dishes, exquisite flavors, creative presentation and friendly knowledgeable staff. My girlfriend miss C is pregnant and they managed to accommodate her order with special attention. I would definitely go for a "lighter" option like the Daichi menu next time. It's nice to spoil your tummy and tease your taste buds... thank you okku!

Prices for the lunch are all very accessible starting at 69AED for the Sui, 89AED for the Daichi and 125 AED for the Hibachi. Highly recommended :)

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Mamas & Papas will be launching their Autumn/Winter collection at their The Dubai Mall store, on Nov 12th from10am-12pm. Come and watch the adorable little models showcasing new collection of kidswear, that go up to 6years!

Come for a lovely morning, enjoy the show and some loveable treats and refreshments, as your little ones can enjoy some fun engaging activities in store! If you RSVP to the event, you will also receive an exclusive offer to avail on the day of the event.

Less then a month and the UAE will be celebrating it's 42 years of independence. To celebrate the UAE’s National Day, the Government of Dubai usually plan a wide range of family activities and festive performances, including shows, children's attractions, a downtown parade and much more, at shopping malls, parks and other venues around town. Check www.dubaicalendar.ae closer to the date for more details.

Looking forward to celebrate and be part of the family festivities?! Be sure to dress the kids in the UAE colors this year, check www.melijoe.com/me for some cool and stylish outfit.

The subject of beautiful hair comes in the conversation "oh so often"... Women seems to always be looking for the best hairdresser, miracle product, secret tip or last celebrity style.

Here's a one stop for all your hair (and all beauty stuff) tips and questions answers, with lots of inspiring hair style: thebeautydepartment.com.

Wanna know my little tips...
♥ pure organic coconut oil mask to keep your strong and healthy - see blog post. Good to wear at the beach, it will not only keep knots at bay, it will protect your tresses and stop the salt from drying hair out.

♥ I use Pantene Clinicare, it really give my hair some TLC. I like to use it for a couple of months and take a break from it.

♥ For texture and to extend your blow dry by a day, I like batiste dry shampoo available at Boots pharmacy.

♥ Tips for your ponytail... use two elastics to hold the pony in place, one stacked on top of the next to make the pony stick out further for extra bounciness. Or create the illusion of a longer and fuller pony tail with this trick.

Sunday, November 3, 2013

My lovely friend and I over indulged last week over lunch.... We had a great catch up over good food and beautiful view of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountains. Our first experience at Urbano, Italian bistro located in Souk Al Bahar was a real treat.

The menu offers a large selection of authentic Italian dishes from various Italian regions. It took us a while to choose our order, many items on the menu were just so appealing. We selected two kind bruschetta as appetizer, Zucca: Roasted pumpkin with fine sliced bresaola and goats cheese and Cipolla e rosmarino: Caramelised red onion, Gorgonzola cheese and picked rosemary. I absolutly loved the combination of ingredients and flavors. Great start!

To continue our lunch, we picked some light options, the Carpaccio served with rocket, parmesan cheese and mustard cream dressing and a lovely fresh salad with beetroot, roasted pumpkin, hazelnuts, mixed leaves and goat’s cheese drizzled with honey balsamic dressing. Looking at the menu, I realized that we need to come back for a diner to try some other very attractive main course options like Branzino Siciliano: Roasted seabass with lemon, anchovy and caper stuffing and Agnello brasato: Slow braised lamb shank with shallot jus, spring thyme and tomato potatoes. The pizza selection looked interesting in flavor, classic with a twist.

After all, it was a treat for us girls, so we had no regret and went for desert as well! We were not disappointed. My choice went for classic rich and creamy Pannacotta:vanilla pannacotta with wild berries. And my chocolate lover friend choose the Torta di cioccolato e hazelnut: roasted hazelnut sponge with milk chocolate mousse and dark chocolate glaze. This last desert was indulgence to the roof, but definitely one of the best slice of cake I had in a long time.

You can also find a small selection of ingredients such as olive oils, balsamic vinegar and a selection of pastas available for purchase to recreate at home some inspiring Italian dishes.

Over all a nice trattoria, Italian bistro with good comfort food. Nothing to be disappointed with... just missing a nice crisp class of Italian vino.urbanorestaurants.com

How do you keep in shape, what's your healthy secret? Physique 57 that is a barre based workout with intervals . They are based in Citywalk
in Jumeirah at the moment. I’ve been going there for several months now and can really

feel the difference.

Do you have a life motto?
This quote says it perfectly. We are always focused on what won’t work and our fears

that we forget about the positives. “Forget about all the reasons why something may
not work. You only need to find one good reason why it will."~ Dr. Robert Anthony

Thursday, October 24, 2013

After a Mothercare Media event yesterday, I am happy to say that Mothercare is stepping up a node! Something is happening in the style and marketing department within the brand. I was surprise to find more then the basic and classic items they usually offer. Some style and boldness came through in some really cool pieces.

The Baby K collection got inspiration in the world of retro to rock with a great use of colors like luxurious tones of gold, with a dash of vivid winter pink and cobalt blue for girls, and a mix of classic navy and bordeaux with a bright burst of autumn orange for the boys. Playful, practical and stylish! BabyK is a hit, creating an affordable and cool collection for kids.

Another surprise was the collaboration between two leading iconic British brands to create one amazing pram: The the Silver Cross Surf – Aston Martin Edition. Beautifully designed, the exclusive baby travel system is now available only at Mothercare. With Aston Martin detailing and Silver Cross design and experience, the award winning Silver Cross Surf has reached new heights. The Aston Martin marque features throughout this exquisite pram from the striking wheels through to the Alcantara lined seat pad to the super soft Italian leather trimmed handle and bumper bar. The Silver Cross air-ride suspension guarantees a smooth ride on all terrains and the multi-position handlebar ensures comfortable pushing for everyone. Only 800 of the model worldwide each with its own certificate of authenticity and an engraved brushed chrome plaque confirming that each pram is one of a kind. Feeling the love?! Yes its quite unique, stunning and so british! Love it.

What is it all about?

Welcome! My name is Emily. I am the blogger (and maman of Luella and Josefin) behind this sunny little place on the web, called Dubai our Sandbox. I am on a mission to browse online, check magazines, talk to mums and girlfriends, be on the look out for kids 'goodies' to share with you. I hope to bring you useful and inspiring little finds for your family life in Dubai.